After standing outside Lionel Messi’s mansion for 10 hours, Juan Polcan, an Italian professional futsal player, was invited inside, where he took pictures and received autographs. “There are fans who are willing to do anything to meet their idols, regardless of the risk of losing their freedom,” commented Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo. “While some run onto the field and surprise their idols during a match, others travel long distances and wait patiently to meet the players they admire at their homes.”
Polcan was thrilled when he finally got to take a photo with his idol, Lionel Messi, after waiting for 10 hours outside Messi’s house. Polcan chose the second option and, along with some friends, flew from Italy to France and “camped out” outside Messi’s mansion in Paris. Despite being warned by Messi’s security team that the police would be called, Polcan still waited for his idol.
“I tried to find Messi’s address online but couldn’t find it. However, I got to know it from a hairdresser who had served Messi at home. He didn’t give me the exact address, but he pointed out the area where Messi lived, and it took me about 45 minutes to find Messi’s house,” Polcan recounted on Infobae.
Polcan waited from 9 am Paris time on April 6th, and after 10 hours, he was invited into Messi’s house by Messi’s wife, Antonella Roccuzzo. He took a photo with Messi and received his autograph on his right hand. Afterwards, the professional futsal player from Italy got this autograph tattooed to cherish the memory.
Messi signs autograph for Polcan. Video:
Instagram / juanpolcan
Polcan also posted a photo with Messi on social media and wrote: “Today, I fulfilled a lifelong dream. Messi is the greatest player in history, an extraordinary and humble person. And Antonella too, who allowed me into their home to fulfill my dream. I write this with tears and emotions, my whole body still trembling. Thank you Messi for this unforgettable moment.”
Messi has had a successful year at the national team level, winning the Copa America 2021, the Continental Super Cup, and the World Cup 2022 with Argentina. However, things have not been smooth sailing at PSG, as he and his teammates were eliminated early from the French Cup and the Champions League, leaving only Ligue 1 for them to strive for. PSG currently leads with 69 points in 30 matches, six points ahead of Lens.
The contract between Messi and PSG will expire at the end of June 2023, and he has the option to extend for one more year or not. The Argentine superstar has not accepted PSG’s offer as he wants to ensure certain sports requirements. If he leaves PSG, Messi can return to Barcelona as a free agent. Vice President Rafa Yuste announced that the club has been negotiating with Messi’s representative, but Barcelona needs to prepare financially to pay the salary of the Argentine superstar.
In addition to PSG and Barcelona, Messi also has the option to move to the Middle East to play football, as Al Hilal Club in Saudi Arabia has offered him a salary of $440 million per year. If he accepts, Messi will become the highest-paid player in the world, doubling Ronaldo’s current contract with Al Nassr. However, according to the trusted journalist Fabrizio Romano, the 35-year-old star wants to continue playing in Europe.